To say that Dr. Daniel Wong’s story is one of transformative potency would be a gross understatement. The world in which he grew up—a communist regime that generated widespread persecution and religious suppression—is alien to most of us.

Born into a Christian family, Wong, a professor of biblical studies at The Master’s College (TMC) since 2000, spent his formative years under the corruption of a Chinese government that emphasized materialism by attempting to tear religion apart. But rather than characterize Wong’s story with an exegetical look into his past, it is far more profitable to become acquainted with the man he is today: the father, teacher, pastor, author, theologian and mentor, among other things.

“The first 20 years of my life were very difficult … but very beneficial,” Wong slowly reflects. “The pain of persecution caused me to greatly desire freedom, and so I asked the Lord to give me freedom and He, in time, answered my prayers. He worked out a situation that was almost impossible.”

This positive attitude is prevalent throughout Wong’s speech. When questioned about the trials of his past or the accomplishments of his present, he turns each answer into a proclamation of God’s unfailing grace and wisdom. On why he chose to teach at The Master’s College, Wong is quick to lay even that choice at the feet of the Lord.

“I don’t think I had a choice,” he says. “It’s all because of Him. He leads me, and I just follow His leading. His choice is the best, and I can testify to that.”

Now in his 14th teaching year, Wong has for many students become a model of brilliance blanketed in humility.

“He’s a man of maturity and wisdom, but he’s so humble about it,” says TMC sophomore Rachel Horner, who is currently in Wong’s Christian Theology class. “Even with all of his accomplishments and brilliance, he always manages to turn the focus away from himself and back towards God.”

Jason Beakley, another of Wong’s theology students, particularly admires the hours of devotion that Wong puts aside for his students.

“He spends two to three hours every day praying for his students,” he says. “He learns all of their names and he remembers them and prays for them even after they graduate.”

With the busy schedule Wong maintains, these allotted quiet times become that much more reflective of his character. Aside from his responsibilities that include teaching, pastoring a church and raising a family, Wong is now writing a New Testament commentary that he hopes will become a useful tool by teaching Christians how to think deeply and critically about what they believe. The commentary will be in Q&A format—the first of its kind—and will, according to Wong, “bombard every verse of Scripture from every conceivable angle” before responding to each question through the text. It’s an instrument Wong hopes will enrich and edify believers by training their minds how to think properly.

“If you allow believers to think through what they believe and provide answers for what they believe, Christianity can be strengthened,” he says.

In the meantime, Wong is content to keep busy as a resource for the Lord, whether that is through teaching, pastoring, writing, fathering, or mentoring.

“God doesn’t waste His resources,” Wong says. “So I just remain dependent on Him and His will for me. I know that the Lord will get His work done.”